Preparation for investigation
Please read the following information carefully. If you have not followed the correct preparation the investigation will be rescheduled.
You should have had a gastroscopy (camera used to investigate your upper digestive system) before coming for this test. If you have not had a gastroscopy within the last 12 months, please call the department 01253 953715 as the test may need postponing.
Unless told otherwise, you will need to stop certain medications up to 2 days before the investigation, and follow a 6-hour fasting period. Please see the following table for medication advice. If you have any concerns please call the department.
| How long before the test? | what needs stopping? |
|---|---|
| 2 full days before the test |
stop prokinetic and anti - sickness medication including:
|
| 6 hours before the test | Please do not eat anything for 6 hours prior to the test. You can sip small amount of water during this time. |
• Please bring a current list of medications with you to the appointment.
• If you use an inhaler for asthma or a spray for angina, please bring it with you.
• Please continue with your normal medications for any other conditions you may have (i.e. epilepsy, thyroid etc). Please ensure you only stop the medications listed. If you need advice on which medications you need to stop please call the department on 01253 953715.
If you are pregnant, please call 01253 953715 as soon as possible
During the investigation you will be required to get onto the patient couch unaided and lie flat (one small pillow is allowed). If this is problem for you, please contact the department as soon as you receive this appointment to discuss. Please wear comfortable clothing.
Advice for diabetic patients:
You should have been contacted by the GI Physiology Department prior to receiving this letter to discuss any required changes to your diabetic medication. You should have received a morning appointment, if this is not the case, please contact the GI Physiology Department on 01253 953715.
If your blood sugar falls to around 5.0 mmol/L or less or if you experience hypoglycaemic symptoms (e.g. sweating, shaking, palpitations, nausea, headache, speech difficulty, confusion etc.), take 15-20 grams of carbohydrate in a sugary drink such as 200mls of Glucose (Lucozade) drink or 150mls of non-diet fizzy drinks such as cola. Then recheck the blood glucose 15 minutes after. It is important that you do not drive yourself to/from the appointment if your blood glucose level is below 5.0mmol/L.
Please bring your diabetic medication, your blood glucose monitor, and some food to the appointment. You will be able to have this once the test is finished.
Oesophageal manometry is used to measure the pressures in your food pipe (oesophagus). It can assess whether the barrier between the oesophagus and stomach is functioning as expected and whether the oesophagus is contracting effectively to transport food into the stomach. It is a useful diagnostic aid in patients with a range of symptoms including chest pain, difficulty swallowing, and for patients who are being considered for anti-reflux surgery.
A small catheter (tube) is gently passed through your nose and into your stomach to take pressure measurements. Once the catheter is in position it will be taped across your nose. It might feel like you have a ‘lump’ in your throat which can be slightly uncomfortable but it should not be painful. You will lie down for most of the test and be asked to swallow water, usually 5ml at intervals. The tube will be in place for about 15 minutes. Once the test is complete, the tube will be removed, and you can go home.
No, you will not be receiving any sedation. During the test you will need to swallow water, this would not be possible or safe if you were sedated.
No, the test should not hurt. Placement of the tube can feel slightly uncomfortable. When the tube is being passed you will be given instructions such as tilting your head and sipping water which will make the tube pass more comfortably.
Common side effects are a runny nose and a sore throat. Some patients report discomfort swallowing when the tube is in, this should go away when the tube is removed. The risks will be discussed with you prior to the procedure, please be assured that major complications are extremely rare for this type of investigation.
There are other investigations that can provide complimentary information but unfortunately the diagnostic information gained from this test cannot be obtained from any other test.
You do not need to be accompanied to the appointment. If you choose to bring someone with you, they will be asked to wait in the waiting room and will not be allowed in the room when the investigation is taking place. Please do not bring anyone who would need supervision such as young babies or children.
How long will the test take?
You will be in the department for about 1 hour. The tube will be in place for about 15 minutes.
Where do I go for my test?
Please go to the GI Physiology Department, this is in the Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Building (Area 6) of Blackpool Victoria Hospital.
It is important you are on time for the investigation, late arrival may mean there is insufficient time to complete the investigation resulting in its cancellation. It is advisable that if you are arranging transport through the GP, please tell them your appointment time is 30 minutes earlier to allow for any transport delays.
When will I get my results?
You will not get the results on the day of the test. The results are sent directly to the Consultant who will either send out the results in the post or discuss them with you at your next clinic appointment.
Gastroenterology & Endoscopy Unit Location Map
Access from the main hospital multistorey car park
We are located in Area 6 - Gastroenterology & Endoscopy Unit, highlighted in orange on the main hospital map. Follow the signs for the Main Hospital up the escalator/lift towards Area 6, second corridor on the left. Follow the signs down the link corridor, exit to the right via the side door (external) which is signposted for Patient Entrance to Reception.
Access for drop off/collection only & disability parking
Enter via East Park Drive and follow the road up the hill, take the second left signposted for Gastroenterology & Endoscopy Unit Drop Off Only, follow the road round to the right.
